Classics department to host 'Homerathon'

April 06, 2012

LEWISBURG, Pa. — The Department of Classics at Bucknell University will host a Homerathon Saturday, April 14, from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. in the Student Lounge on the Lower Level of the Elaine Langone Center at Bucknell.

"A Homerathon is a daylong recitation of Homer's Odyssey, the epic tale of one soldier's return home from war and the issues confronting his physical and mental journey," said Lauren Ginsberg, visiting assistant professor of classics at Bucknell.

According to Ginsberg, Homerathons have caught on across the country at many schools.

"It is not unusual to see students, faculty, and even deans and university presidents read a passage. It is a great way to bring a community together over one of Western Literature's great classics," she said.

Participants sign up in advance to read for a 15-minute time slot, and there is no limit to how many blocks one can have. Texts will be provided on the day of the Homerathon as well as snacks and pronunciation guides. "Participants may come in and out throughout the day and stay as long as they like," said Ginsberg.

"Favorite passages have often included Odysseus' encounter with the man-eating Cyclops, the battle between Odysseus and the men besieging his household, Odysseus' reunion with his wife, Penelope, and, of course, the various hijinks of the Olympian gods as they influence mortal experiences."

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